About Cornelius Cock

THE LATE SIR. CORNELIUS COCK, J.P. for the whole of Cape Colony. Second son of the Hon. Wm. and Elizabeth Cock. The story of Cornelius Cock's whole life is one of devotion to public duty. and is thrilling in the extreme. As a schoolboy at Sir Richard Southey's farm on the Klip River in 1843 he narrowly escaped with his life during a Kaffir onslaught. Fought at Wolf's Craig as Captain of Hottentot levy in 1846. and numerous other engagements. In charge Commissariat Stores with General Somerset's Division. Captured the guns from the rebel Hottentot leader. Hans Branders at Kara. In 1846 also, was in charge Imperial Land Transport. and was offered a commission in the British Army by Sir Harry Smith, but circumstances prevented his accepting it. Mr. Cock saved the lives of about 100 mariners when the 'Welcombe' 'Emma' and 'Amana' were wrecked off the Peddie coast. Mr. Cock signalled to those in distress words of hope and encouragement by writing words on the Sand Hills, and induced the crews to follow his instructions.... (see attached media)